Golden Hour Riffs – Everclear Holds the Boardwalk in Their Grip

By Dave Parsons

The members of Everclear had the perfect stage time at the initial Boardwalk Rock festival on May 17, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland. The sun was starting to go down by the time they started, and the Lightning stage faced the Atlantic Ocean. There was the giant Ferris wheel just a few yards to the left, and between the stage and the water were part of the over 50,000 fans who attended the festival.

And when Everclear stepped into that incredible picture, they didn’t just fill the space—they fired it up!  Everclear launched into So Much for the Afterglow, and the crowd roared. Coming out of Portland in 1991, Everclear became a leader of the ’90s post-grunge scene. Their 1995 breakout, Sparkle and Fade, and the follow-up platinum So Much for the Afterglow painted the pitfalls of suburbia with catchy hooks and honest lyrics.

With a one-hour time slot, the band could play longer version of their songs, and explore the depth of each number. From Everything to Everyone, Heroin Girl, and Father of Mine, it was like watching the audience go through therapy, only with guitar distortion.  On the latter, some fans bowed their heads, some singing along, mouthing Then he walked away.  

Normal Like You was next, and the crowd decided to see if you can mosh at 5 PM without burning out! The pace continued through Amphetamine, and by the time they reached Wonderful, the energy ratcheted even higher.  The crowd was in full gear, and when lead singer Art Alexakis held the mic out to the sea of faces, everyone belted back: It would be wonderful…

Everclear’s set was well planned out as it built gradually.  From a gritty opener to the communal finale of Santa Monica, the afternoon set never slowed down. With 50,000 voices caught in the chorus, the band reclaimed alt‑rock as a vessel for healing and connection. 

Setlist – Everclear, Boardwalk Rock, Ocean City – May 17, 2025

1. So Much for the Afterglow
2. Everything to Everyone
3. Heroin Girl
4. Father of Mine
5. Normal Like You
6. Amphetamine
7. The Twistinside
8. Strawberry
9. Wonderful
10. AM Radio
11. El Distorto de Melodía
12. I Will Buy You a New Life
13. Santa Monica